Police Ladies: Champions of Malta Guinness Women's Premier League!
In a captivating final at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Police Ladies FC etched their name in the annals of Ghanaian women's football history by defeating Ampem Darkoa Ladies 2-0 to claim their first-ever Malta Guinness Women's Premier League title.
New Champions Crowned Under Malta Guinness Sponsorship
Since the league's inception in 2012, the championship trophy has found a new home for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the Malta Guinness-sponsored competition. Police Ladies, displaying remarkable determination and tactical discipline, broke Ampem Darkoa's dominance through goals from Jane Ayieyam in the 89th minute and Victoria Teye Williams, who sealed the victory with a second goal.
"The most positive aspect of this for me was seeing Police Ladies come into the finals. It has always been Hasaacas Ladies and Ampem Darkoa dominating, so it was nice to see a difference," remarked Dinah Asabea Darko, Marketing Manager of Malta Guinness, who was present to witness the historic occasion. "The league has become very competitive and the games have become very exciting."
The intense final showcased the growing quality and competitiveness of women's football in Ghana, a development that Malta Guinness has been instrumental in fostering through their headline sponsorship of the league.
Malta Guinness: Fueling Excellence in Women's Football
The Malta Guinness Women's Premier League final highlighted the beverage brand's commitment to elevating women's sports in Ghana. Stadium branding prominently featured Malta Guinness's distinctive green and gold colors, with the "Fuel Your Greatness" message resonating throughout the venue.
"As a brand, we are very satisfied. We came on board three years ago and we have seen a lot of improvement," shared Darko. "We see a lot of support from the general public. Look at the attendance today. When we came out three years ago, this was not the attendance, and look at the media coverage because this is what we wanted when we came on board."
Malta Guinness's GHS 10 million sponsorship deal, initiated in 2022, has significantly transformed the league's profile, providing much-needed financial support and visibility to women's football. The brand's investment has enabled improved infrastructure, better player welfare, and increased media coverage throughout the season.
"What inspired us to sponsor the league was mainly because we saw potential," Darko explained. "We saw the opportunity to come on board and help these women achieve their goals, and that's what inspired us."
Tactical Battle Decided Late
The match began with both teams showing attacking intent, with Ampem Darkoa Ladies "barking at the post" in the early exchanges. Police Ladies' defensive resilience was evident as Margaret Agyapomaa (No. 15) "held down the fort" in the backline.
The breakthrough came late when Jane Ayieyam found the net in the 89th minute, sending Police Ladies supporters into raptures. Victoria Teye Williams then put the result beyond doubt with a well-taken second goal, completing Police Ladies' historic achievement.
Continental Aspirations
The victory not only crowns Police Ladies as Ghana's champions but also secures their qualification for the CAF Women's Champions League, where they will represent Ghana on the continental stage.
Malta Guinness's marketing team, present to witness the historic occasion, expressed excitement about the continued growth of the women's game under their sponsorship. The brand's support has been pivotal in raising the standards of the league and providing a platform for female footballers to showcase their talents.
Looking Ahead
As Police Ladies celebrate their maiden title, the successful conclusion of this season's Malta Guinness Women's Premier League demonstrates the positive impact of corporate investment in women's sports. The partnership between Malta Guinness and women's football in Ghana continues to fuel the greatness of female athletes, creating pathways for professional development and inspiring the next generation of players.
"We wanted not just visibility for the brand but for the women to have more visibility. Looking back, the league and the women have more visibility now," Darko noted. "There is more room for improvement, but as a brand, we are happy with what we have achieved with the Ghana Football Association. We are happy with the impact the league has had on the brand and, more so, the impact the brand has had on the league. Our goal was that we would elevate the league."
With Malta Guinness's continued support, the future of women's football in Ghana looks brighter than ever, as exemplified by today's thrilling final that showcased the best of Ghanaian women's football talent.
